With the looming threat of climate change, we must take on the responsibilities of protecting our earth. That said, we can still look cute while being a climate justice warrior. Here are four affordable fashion companies practicing sustainability you should check out!
- H&M
-
H&M has long been regarded as a fast-fashion brand with questionable labor and supply sourcing practices. However, this global fashion retailer is rapidly making changes toward sustainability. H&M has pledged to become 100% climate positive by 2040 by using renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency in all its operations. They have also pledged to use 100% recycled or sustainable materials by 2030. In addition to these pledges, starting in 2020, all cotton used by H&M will be sourced either through the Better Cotton Initiative or recycling.
The 2018 Ethical Fashion Report gave H&M the top score of ‘A+’ for its Supplier Code of Conduct, which recognizes the transparency of its material suppliers. H&M is also showing progress by banning the use of fur, angora and exotic animal and skins. While there remain concerns regarding H&M’s use of toxic dyes, significant carbon emission, and excessive use of the world’s freshwater, they still make the list of sustainability brands for its current progressive and continuing efforts.
- Kotn
-
Kotn is an eco-friendly clothing company founded on the principle of sustainable materials and ethical labor. They source their cotton directly from cotton farming families in Egypt similar to the expression “from farm to table” but with fabric. Kotn partners with pro-literacy organizations in Nile Delta aimed at providing education for boys and girls in Egypt to ensure that the next generation of children can escape the cycle of unethical child labor. In 2017, they finished building their first school.
- Old Navy
-
Like H&M, Old Navy also has the reputation of an affordable fast-fashion brand. However, on April 22nd (aka Earth Day) of last year, Old Navy launched Heart Earth, which is their commitment to sustainability by ethically sourcing and producing their products. They aim to source 100% of their cotton sustainably and made 100% of their denims with water-saving techniques by 2022.
Similar to H&M, Old Navy has also partnered up with the Better Cotton Initiative. Through BMI, they will be able to minimize the impact of harmful crop practices and utilize water in an efficient manner. Old Navy also has a labor Code of Conduct that covers all the basic principles of the International Labor Organization.
- ThredUp
-
It wouldn’t be a sustainable fashion company list without mentioning a thrift store. ThredUp is unique in that it is a virtue thrift store. It takes the hassle away from combing through endless racks of clothes looking for that one gem. Instead, you can use the ‘filter’ option and look for your favorite brands on a discount. You can also sell your items to ThredUp to make some extra money!
Sustainable, but make it fashion!
xoxo